NLA passes bill on electronic monitoring and tracking system on inmates

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) yesterday approved an amendment of the Criminal Code that allows electronic monitoring system in corrections, and law enforcement.

The NLA passed the bill with a final vote of 164 to 1, and 4 abstentions.

The bill stated short-term electronic tracking or ‘electronic monitoring’ of suspects released on bail, new criteria for individuals who post bails for these suspects, and new appeal procedures.

But the main theme of the bill is to give authorities the right to employ electronic tracking devices otherwise known as ‘EM’ or electronic monitoring devices as a part of criminal procedures.

These devices will primarily be used on suspects released on bail and covers any damage to equipment from any tampering by attempts to remove said equipment.

All these amendments will hopefully ease the burden on authorities by allowing temporary release of a higher number of suspects while awaiting trial and to lessen the load on Corrections Facilities by lowering the number of inmates.

Besides it will help suspect who have no money for temporary release on bail to employ such monitoring on a voluntary basis.

Initially, the equipment will be leased by the government for the first 3 years but a proposal for the cost to be charged to suspects themselves is being considered.